China – Nike has named long-time executive Cathy Sparks as its new VP/GM of Greater China. She will succeed Angela Dong, who is set to leave the company on March 31.
Sparks is a 25-year Nike veteran who began her career as a store athlete at what was then Niketown Portland and has since led teams across multiple geographies. Most recently, she served as VP/GM of APLA, one of Nike’s most complex regions, where she drove marketplace transformation and consumer-led growth.
Having lived and worked across multiple regions, including Asia, Sparks brings deep insight into athletes, consumers, and the role Nike plays at the intersection of sport and culture. She is known for building strong teams, moving with urgency, and revitalising markets that need renewed momentum.
In her new role, Sparks will lead Nike’s next chapter in Greater China, balancing the brand’s legacy with future growth. She will focus on serving the next generation of athletes with stronger local relevance, compelling storytelling, and experiences that set the pace for sport and style.
With a commitment to accelerating initiatives, strengthening partnerships, and empowering Nike Greater China’s team, Sparks aims to unlock new opportunities and build a lasting legacy in the region.
“Greater China is at a critical moment that calls for a leader who knows how to rebuild momentum, earn trust, and reconnect sport and culture to the marketplace. That’s why I’ve asked Cathy Sparks to step into the role of VP/GM, Greater China,” Elliot Hill, president & CEO of NIKE, Inc., said in an announcement on the company’s official website.
Sparks’ appointment coincides with Angela Dong’s decision to transition out of her role and the company, effective March 31.
Angela joined Nike in 2005 and has held a range of increasingly senior roles across Greater China over more than 20 years. Her leadership has spanned pivotal moments, including the Beijing Olympics, the rapid rise of the Chinese consumer and digital ecosystem, and the challenges and recovery following the global pandemic. She led efforts to shape sport culture in the region through signature events such as the Shanghai Marathon, CHBL and HBL, ACG Chongli 168, and Next Stop Dongdan.
“Throughout her more than two decades with Nike, Angela has earned a reputation for strong leadership, deep knowledge of the marketplace and the business, and for helping steward us through complexity and change. For this, and so much more, we are grateful for Angela’s contributions to so many chapters of Nike’s storied presence in this critical market,” Elliot wrote.
The announcements form part of broader changes to Nike’s senior leadership team. The company said geography VP/GMs have helped it move faster and bring the brand closer to athletes in key markets worldwide.
With Sparks’ transition, her role in APLA will be passed to Cristin “Crissy” Campbell, currently VP of Nike Brand for APLA and head of Sport Offense for the region. Campbell will serve as interim VP/GM of APLA. Meanwhile, César Garcia will take over as VP/GM of EMEA, effective February 2, succeeding Carl Grebert, who is retiring after nearly 30 years with Nike.
